EP0823333A1 - Thermal transfer recording material with metallic layer - Google Patents

Thermal transfer recording material with metallic layer Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0823333A1
EP0823333A1 EP97113497A EP97113497A EP0823333A1 EP 0823333 A1 EP0823333 A1 EP 0823333A1 EP 97113497 A EP97113497 A EP 97113497A EP 97113497 A EP97113497 A EP 97113497A EP 0823333 A1 EP0823333 A1 EP 0823333A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
layer
thermal transfer
transfer recording
resins
foundation
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP97113497A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0823333B1 (en
Inventor
Jun Tech. Ctr. Fujicopian Co. Ltd. Sogabe
Yuuichi Tech. Ctr. Fujicopian Co. Ltd. Miyakusa
Hitomi Kawabata
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Fujicopian Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Fuji Kagakushi Kogyo Co Ltd
Fujicopian Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Fuji Kagakushi Kogyo Co Ltd, Fujicopian Co Ltd filed Critical Fuji Kagakushi Kogyo Co Ltd
Publication of EP0823333A1 publication Critical patent/EP0823333A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0823333B1 publication Critical patent/EP0823333B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41M—PRINTING, DUPLICATING, MARKING, OR COPYING PROCESSES; COLOUR PRINTING
    • B41M5/00—Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein
    • B41M5/26—Thermography ; Marking by high energetic means, e.g. laser otherwise than by burning, and characterised by the material used
    • B41M5/40—Thermography ; Marking by high energetic means, e.g. laser otherwise than by burning, and characterised by the material used characterised by the base backcoat, intermediate, or covering layers, e.g. for thermal transfer dye-donor or dye-receiver sheets; Heat, radiation filtering or absorbing means or layers; combined with other image registration layers or compositions; Special originals for reproduction by thermography
    • B41M5/42—Intermediate, backcoat, or covering layers
    • B41M5/44—Intermediate, backcoat, or covering layers characterised by the macromolecular compounds
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41M—PRINTING, DUPLICATING, MARKING, OR COPYING PROCESSES; COLOUR PRINTING
    • B41M5/00—Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein
    • B41M5/26—Thermography ; Marking by high energetic means, e.g. laser otherwise than by burning, and characterised by the material used
    • B41M5/382—Contact thermal transfer or sublimation processes
    • B41M5/38207—Contact thermal transfer or sublimation processes characterised by aspects not provided for in groups B41M5/385 - B41M5/395
    • B41M5/38214—Structural details, e.g. multilayer systems
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41M—PRINTING, DUPLICATING, MARKING, OR COPYING PROCESSES; COLOUR PRINTING
    • B41M5/00—Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein
    • B41M5/26—Thermography ; Marking by high energetic means, e.g. laser otherwise than by burning, and characterised by the material used
    • B41M5/40—Thermography ; Marking by high energetic means, e.g. laser otherwise than by burning, and characterised by the material used characterised by the base backcoat, intermediate, or covering layers, e.g. for thermal transfer dye-donor or dye-receiver sheets; Heat, radiation filtering or absorbing means or layers; combined with other image registration layers or compositions; Special originals for reproduction by thermography
    • B41M5/42—Intermediate, backcoat, or covering layers
    • B41M5/426—Intermediate, backcoat, or covering layers characterised by inorganic compounds, e.g. metals, metal salts, metal complexes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41M—PRINTING, DUPLICATING, MARKING, OR COPYING PROCESSES; COLOUR PRINTING
    • B41M5/00—Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein
    • B41M5/26—Thermography ; Marking by high energetic means, e.g. laser otherwise than by burning, and characterised by the material used
    • B41M5/40—Thermography ; Marking by high energetic means, e.g. laser otherwise than by burning, and characterised by the material used characterised by the base backcoat, intermediate, or covering layers, e.g. for thermal transfer dye-donor or dye-receiver sheets; Heat, radiation filtering or absorbing means or layers; combined with other image registration layers or compositions; Special originals for reproduction by thermography
    • B41M5/42—Intermediate, backcoat, or covering layers
    • B41M5/423—Intermediate, backcoat, or covering layers characterised by non-macromolecular compounds, e.g. waxes
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
    • Y10S428/913—Material designed to be responsive to temperature, light, moisture
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
    • Y10S428/914—Transfer or decalcomania
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
    • Y10T428/24—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.]
    • Y10T428/24802—Discontinuous or differential coating, impregnation or bond [e.g., artwork, printing, retouched photograph, etc.]
    • Y10T428/24917—Discontinuous or differential coating, impregnation or bond [e.g., artwork, printing, retouched photograph, etc.] including metal layer
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
    • Y10T428/28—Web or sheet containing structurally defined element or component and having an adhesive outermost layer
    • Y10T428/2813—Heat or solvent activated or sealable
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
    • Y10T428/28—Web or sheet containing structurally defined element or component and having an adhesive outermost layer
    • Y10T428/2848—Three or more layers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a thermal transfer recording medium for forming printed images with a metallic luster.
  • thermal transfer recording media of this type include one with a structure comprising a foundation having on one side thereof a colored or uncolored ink layer, a metal deposition layer and an adhesive layer in this order.
  • Thermal transfer recording media having such a structure do not necessarily have a high transfer sensitivity and, hence, the recording media are not suited for a high speed printing or a low energy printing.
  • the lowering of the softening temperature of the adhesive layer has been proposed to increase the transfer sensitivity.
  • the lowering of the softening temperature of the adhesive layer invites another problem that the recording medium, which is wound in a roll form, causes blocking when it is stored at high temperatures.
  • thermo transfer recording medium comprising a foundation having on one side thereof a colored or unclored ink layer, a metal deposition layer and an adhesive layer in this order which does not cause blocking even when the softening temperature of the adhesive layer is lowered to increase the transfer sensitivity.
  • the present invention provides a thermal transfer recording medium comprising a foundation, and provided on one side of the foundation in order from the foundation side, at least a colored or uncolored ink layer, a metal deposition layer and an adhesive layer, and a heat-resistant layer provided intermediate between the metal deposition layer and the adhesive layer and comprising as a main component a resin having a glass transition temperature of not lower than 65°C and a melt viscosity of not higher than 1 ⁇ 10 3 cps at 160°C.
  • the adhesive layer has a softening temparature of from 50° to 70°C.
  • the heat-resistant layer comprises not less than 80 % by weight of the resin having a glass transition temparature of not lower than 65°C and a melt viscosity of not higher than 1 ⁇ 10 3 cps at 160°C.
  • the resin having a glass transition temperature of not lower than 65°C and a melt viscosity of not higher than 1 ⁇ 10 3 cps at 160°C comprises at least a resin selected from the group consisting of styrene resins, terpene resins, phenol resins, rosin resins and aromatic petroleum resins.
  • the adhesive layer comprises an adhesive resin and a particulate inorganic material.
  • the thermal transfer recording medium further comprises a release layer provided intermediate between the foundation and the colored or uncolored ink layer.
  • the thermal transfer recording medium further comprises a layer for protecting the metal deposition layer provided intermediate between the colored or uncolored ink layer and the metal deposition layer.
  • the present invention relates to an improvement of a thermal transfer recording medium comprising a foundation having on one side thereof a colored or uncolored ink layer, a metal deposition layer and an adhesive layer.
  • a layer hereinafter referred to as "heat-resistant layer”
  • a resin having a high glass transition temperature and a low melt viscosity between the metal deposition layer and the adhesive layer in the thermal transfer recording medium of the aforesaid structure prevents blocking during storage at high temperatures even when the softening temperature of the adhesive layer is set to a low temperature range of 50° to 70°C. The reason therefor is still undetermined.
  • the thermal transfer recording medium of the present invention has a basic structure comprising a foundation and provided on one side of the foundation in order from the foundation side, a colored or uncolored ink layer, a metal deposition layer, a heat-resistant layer and an adhesive layer.
  • a release layer may be provided intermediate between the foundation and the colored or uncolored ink layer, and/or, a layer for protecting the metal deposition layer (or an anchor layer for the metal deposition layer) may be provided intermediate between the colored or uncolored ink layer and the metal deposition layer.
  • any films or sheets generally used as a foundation for thermal transfer recording media inclusive of plastic films such as polyester films, polyamide films and polycarbonate films, and thin paper sheets such as a condenser paper.
  • the foundation preferably has a thickness of about 1 to about 10 ⁇ m.
  • a heat-resistant protective layer may be provided on the backside (the side to be contacted by a thermal head) of the foundation in order to prevent the thermal head from sticking to the foundation.
  • the release layer to be optionally provided functions as follows: When being transferred, the release layer is melted by means of heat signals from the thermal head to facilitate the release of portions of a transfer layer heated, wherein the transfer layer is composed of the stacked ink layer/metal deposition layer/heat-resistant layer/adhesive layer, or the stacked ink layer/anchor layer/metal deposition layer/heat-resistant layer/adhesive layer.
  • the release layer is composed of a wax as a main component.
  • the release layer may be incorporated with a thermoplastic resin (inclusive of elastomer) to adjust the adhesion between the release layer and the foundation or the ink layer.
  • waxes examples include natural waxes such as haze wax, bees wax, lanolin, carnauba wax, candelilla wax, montan wax and ceresine wax; petroleum waxes such as paraffin wax and microcrystalline wax; synthetic waxes such as oxidized wax, ester wax, low-molecular-weight polyethylene wax, Fischer-Tropsch wax and ⁇ -olefin-maleic anhydride copolymer wax; higher fatty acids such as lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and behenic acid; higher aliphatic alcohols such as stearyl alcohol and docosanol; esters such as higher fatty acid monoglycerides, sucrose fatty acid esters and sorbitan fatty acid esters; and amides and bisamides such as oleic acid amide. These waxes may be used either alone or in combination.
  • thermoplastic resin examples include polyester resins, polyamide resins, polyurethane resins, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymers, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate-maleic acid terpolymers, polyvinyl butyrals, ⁇ -olefin-maleic anhydride copolymers, ethylene-(meth)acrylic acid ester copolymers, low-molecular-weight styrene resins, ethylene-styrene copolymers, styrene-butadiene copolymers, petroleum resins, rosin resins, terpene resins, polypropylene resins and ionomer resins. These resins may be used either alone or in combination.
  • the release layer can be formed by applying onto the foundation a coating liquid, which is prepared by dissolving or dispersing the wax and optionally the thermoplastic resin into a suitable solvent (inclusive of water), followed by drying.
  • a coating liquid which is prepared by dissolving or dispersing the wax and optionally the thermoplastic resin into a suitable solvent (inclusive of water), followed by drying.
  • the release layer can be formed by a hot-melt coating method.
  • the coating amount (on a dry weight basis, hereinafter the same) of the release layer is usually from about 0.2 to about 3 g/m 2 .
  • the ink layer is used to provide a metallic luster in a variety of colors which are not limited to the metallic luster inherent to the metal deposition layer used and, hence, the ink layer is a colored ink layer composed of a binder and a coloring agent as the main components.
  • the ink layer is a colored ink layer composed of a binder and a coloring agent as the main components.
  • an uncolored ink layer which is a substantially colorlessly transparent ink layer incorporated with no coloring agent may be used.
  • the binder for the ink layer is composed of a thermoplastic resin and/or a wax.
  • thermoplastic resin examples include polyester resins, polyamide resins, polyurethane resins, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymers, ethylene-(meth)acrylic acid ester copolymers, polypropylene resins, petroleum resins, rosin resins and terpene resins. These resins may be used either alone or in combination.
  • waxes examples include natural waxes such as haze wax, bees wax, lanolin, carnauba wax, candelilla wax, montan wax and ceresine wax; petroleum waxes such as paraffin wax and microcrystalline wax; synthetic waxes such as oxidized wax, ester wax, low-molecular-weight polyethylene wax, Fischer-Tropsch wax and ⁇ -olefin-maleic anhydride copolymer wax; higher fatty acids such as lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and behenic acid; higher aliphatic alcohols such as stearyl alcohol and docosanol; esters such as higher fatty acid monoglycerides, sucrose fatty acid esters and sorbitan fatty acid esters; and amides and bisamides such as oleic acid amide. These waxes may be used either alone or in combination.
  • coloring agent any organic and inorganic pigments.
  • a dye may be used in combination of the pigment for color adjustment.
  • the content of the coloring agent in the colored ink layer is usually from about 5 to about 40 % by weight.
  • pigments there are used yellow pigments, magenta pigments and cyan pigments, and mixtures of one or more species thereof. Preferably these pigments are transparent.
  • yellow pigments examples include Disazo Yellow HR, Naphthol Yellow S, Hansa Yellow 5G, Hansa Yellow 3G, Hansa Yellow G, Hansa Yellow GR, Hansa Yellow A, Hansa Yellow RN, Hansa Yellow R, Benzidine Yellow, Benzidine Yellow G, Benzidine Yellow GR, Permanent Yellow NCG and Quinoline Yellow Lake. These yellow pigments may be used either alone or in combination.
  • magenta pigments examples include Quinacridone Red, Parmanent Carmine F5B, Permanent Red 4R, Brilliant Fast Scarlet, Brilliant Carmine BS, Permanent Carmine FB, Lithol Red, Permanent Red F5R, Brilliant Carmine 6B, Pigment Scarlet 3B, Rhodamine Lake B, Rhodamine Lake Y and Arizalin Lake. These magenta pigments may be used either alone or in combination.
  • cyan pigments examples include Victoria Blue Lake, metal-free Phthalocyanine Blue, Phthalocyanine Blue and Fast Sky Blue. These cyan pigments may be used either alone or in combination.
  • the ink layer can be formed by applying onto the foundation or release layer a coating liquid, which is prepared by dissolving or dispersing the aforesaid binder into a suitable solvent (inclusive of water) and optionally dispersing thereinto a coloring agent, followed by drying.
  • a coating liquid which is prepared by dissolving or dispersing the aforesaid binder into a suitable solvent (inclusive of water) and optionally dispersing thereinto a coloring agent, followed by drying.
  • the ink layer can be formed by a hot-melt coating method.
  • the coating amount of the ink layer is usually from about 0.2 to about 3 g/m 2 .
  • the layer for protecting the metal deposition layer to be optionally provided serves as an anchor layer for the metal deposition layer.
  • the anchor layer is composed predominantly of a thermoplastic resin (inclusive of elastomer). Usually the anchor layer is not colored and, hence, is a substantially colorlessly transparent layer.
  • thermoplastic resin examples include polyester resins, polyamide resins, polyurethane resins, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymers, ethylene-(meth)acrylic acid ester copolymers, (meth)acrylic resins, styrene-butadiene copolymers, petroleum resins, polypropylene resins and ionomer resins. These resins may be used either alone or in combination.
  • the anchor layer can be formed by applying onto the ink layer a coating liquid, which is prepared by dissolving or dispersing the aforesaid resin into a suitable solvent (inclusive of water), followed by drying.
  • a small coating amount is suitable for the anchor layer from the viewpoint of transferability so long as the protective function is secured.
  • a suitable coating amount is from about 0.1 to about 1 g/m 2 .
  • metals for the metal deposition layer are aluminum, zinc, tin, nickel, chromium, titanium, copper, silver, gold, platinum, and the like metal, and mixtures or alloys thereof. Ususally aluminum is preferred.
  • the metal deposition layer can be formed by a physical deposition technique such as vacuum deposition, sputtering or iron plating, or chemical deposition technique.
  • the thickness of the metal deposition layer is preferably in the range of 10 to 100 nm, especially 20 to 40 nm.
  • the heat-resistant layer is composed of a resin having a glass transition temperature of not lower than 65°C and a melt viscosity of not higher than 1 ⁇ 10 3 cps at 160°C.
  • the heat-resistant layer contains not less than 80 % by weight of such a specific resin.
  • the thermal transfer recording medium is prevented from blocking even if the adhesive layer has a low softening temperature in the range of 50° to 70°C.
  • the glass transition temperature of the specific resin When the glass transition temperature of the specific resin is lower than 65°C, the blocking preventive effect is not sufficiently exhibited. When the melt viscosity of the specific resin is higher than 1 ⁇ 10 3 cps at 160°C, the transfer sensitivity is lowered. The upper limit for the glass transition temperature of the specific resin is about 100°C from the viewpoint of transfer sensitivity.
  • resins examples include styrene resins, terpene resins, phenol resins, rosin resins and aromatic petroleum resins. These resins may be used either alone or in combination.
  • the heat-resistant layer may be further incorporated with an additive such as an elastomer or a wax.
  • the heat-resistant layer contains substantially no particulate materials such as coloring pigment and body pigment and, hence, is colorlessly transparent. This is to prevent the lowering of the luster of printed images due to the unevenness of the surface of the heat-resistant layer caused by the particulate material.
  • the coating amount of the heat-resistant layer is not less than 0.2 g/m 2 from the viewpoint of blocking preventive effect and not more than 1 g/m 2 from the viewpoint of transferability.
  • the heat-resistant layer can be formed by applying onto the metal deposition layer a coating liquid, which is prepared by dissolving or dispersing the aforesaid specific resin and optionally other additives into a suitable solvent (inclusive of water), followed by drying.
  • a coating liquid which is prepared by dissolving or dispersing the aforesaid specific resin and optionally other additives into a suitable solvent (inclusive of water), followed by drying.
  • the adhesive layer is composed of predominantly an adhesive resin.
  • the adhesive resin are polyester resins, polyamide resins, polyurethane resins, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, ethylene-(meth)acrylic acid ester copolymers, petroleum resins, rosin resins and terpene resins. These adhesive resins may be used either alone or in combination.
  • the softening temperature of the adhesive layer is preferably in the range of 50° to 70°C from the viewpoint of transfer sensitivity.
  • the adhesive layer is incorporated with a particulate material to more sufficiently prevent blocking or to prevent smudge of a receptor paper.
  • the particulate material are silica, talc, calcium carbonate, precipitated barium sulfate, alumina, clay, magnesium carbonate, carbon black, tin oxide, titanium oxide, and the like. These materials may be used either alone or in combination.
  • the particle size of the particulate material is in the range of 0.1 to 1 ⁇ m in terms of average particle size. It is preferable that the content of the particulate material in the adhesive layer is not less than 5 % by weight from the viewpoint of preventing blocking and smudge and not more than 50 % by weight form the viewpoint of adhesiveness.
  • the adhesive layer can be formed by applying onto the heat-resistant layer a coating liquid, which is prepared by dissolving or dispersing the aforesaid adhesive resin into a suitable solvent (inclusive of water) and optionally dispersing thereinto the particulate material, followed by drying.
  • the coating amount of the adhesive layer is preferably in the range of about 0.2 to about 1.5 g/m 2 .
  • composition for release layer of the following formula by a hot-melt coating method to give a relase layer with a coating amount of 1.0 g/m 2 .
  • Composition for release layer Component Parts by weight Paraffin wax 60 Candelilla wax 40 Total 100
  • Coating liquid for colored ink layer Component Parts by weight Polyamide resin 6.0 Polyethylene wax 2.0 Brilliant Carmine 6B 2.0 Dispersing agent 0.1 Toluene 9.9 Isopropyl alcohol 80.0 Total 100.0
  • Coating liquid for anchor layer Component Parts by weight Acrylic resin (glass transition temp.: 90°C) 10 Methyl ethyl ketone 90 Total 100
  • Coating liquid for adhesive layer Component Parts by weight Ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (softening point: 55°C) 8.0 Silica particles (average particle size: 0.5 ⁇ m) 2.0 Dispersing agent 0.1 Toluene 89.9 Total 100.0
  • Two-dot vertical lines were printed on a receptor paper (Xerox #4024 made by Xerox Inc.) by means of a thermal transfer printer (Bungo Mini 5 made by NEC Corporation) wherein each of the recording media was used.
  • the term "two-dot vertical lines” means vertical lines each having two-dot width arranged at two-dot intervals in the lateral direction. The transferability was evaluated on the basis of the following criteria.
  • Each thermal transfer recording medium was wound in a roll form and stored in an enviornment of 50°C and 85 % RH for 96 hours. With use of the stored recording medium, printing was performed under the same conditions as above.
  • the antiblocking property was evaluated on the basis of the following criteria:
  • a thermal transfer recording medium comprising a foundation having on one side thereof a colored or uncolored ink layer, a metal deposition layer and an adhesive layer in this order wherein a specific heat-resistant layer is provided between the metal deposition layer and the adhesive layer does not cause blocking even when the softening temperature of the adhesive layer is lowered to improve transferability.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Inorganic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Thermal Transfer Or Thermal Recording In General (AREA)

Abstract

A thermal transfer recording medium providing clear printed images with a metallic luster without causing blocking is disclosed which comprises a foundation, and provided on one side of the foundation in order from the foundation side, at least a colored or uncolored ink layer, a metal deposition layer and an adhesive layer, and a heat-resistant layer provided intermediate between the metal deposition layer and the adhesive layer and comprising as a main component a resin having a glass transition temperature of not lower than 65°C and a melt viscosity of not higher than 1 × 103 cps at 160°C.

Description

The present invention relates to a thermal transfer recording medium for forming printed images with a metallic luster.
Conventional thermal transfer recording media of this type include one with a structure comprising a foundation having on one side thereof a colored or uncolored ink layer, a metal deposition layer and an adhesive layer in this order.
Thermal transfer recording media having such a structure do not necessarily have a high transfer sensitivity and, hence, the recording media are not suited for a high speed printing or a low energy printing.
The lowering of the softening temperature of the adhesive layer has been proposed to increase the transfer sensitivity. However, the lowering of the softening temperature of the adhesive layer invites another problem that the recording medium, which is wound in a roll form, causes blocking when it is stored at high temperatures.
Accordingly, it was difficult to increase the transfer sensitivity of the thermal transfer recording media of this type.
In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide a thermal transfer recording medium comprising a foundation having on one side thereof a colored or unclored ink layer, a metal deposition layer and an adhesive layer in this order which does not cause blocking even when the softening temperature of the adhesive layer is lowered to increase the transfer sensitivity.
This and other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the description hereinafter.
The present invention provides a thermal transfer recording medium comprising a foundation, and provided on one side of the foundation in order from the foundation side, at least a colored or uncolored ink layer, a metal deposition layer and an adhesive layer, and a heat-resistant layer provided intermediate between the metal deposition layer and the adhesive layer and comprising as a main component a resin having a glass transition temperature of not lower than 65°C and a melt viscosity of not higher than 1 × 103 cps at 160°C.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the adhesive layer has a softening temparature of from 50° to 70°C.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the heat-resistant layer comprises not less than 80 % by weight of the resin having a glass transition temparature of not lower than 65°C and a melt viscosity of not higher than 1 × 103 cps at 160°C.
According to still another embodiment of the present invention, the resin having a glass transition temperature of not lower than 65°C and a melt viscosity of not higher than 1 × 103 cps at 160°C comprises at least a resin selected from the group consisting of styrene resins, terpene resins, phenol resins, rosin resins and aromatic petroleum resins.
According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the adhesive layer comprises an adhesive resin and a particulate inorganic material.
According to a still further embodiment of the present invention, the thermal transfer recording medium further comprises a release layer provided intermediate between the foundation and the colored or uncolored ink layer.
According to more still further embodiment of the present invention, the thermal transfer recording medium further comprises a layer for protecting the metal deposition layer provided intermediate between the colored or uncolored ink layer and the metal deposition layer.
The present invention relates to an improvement of a thermal transfer recording medium comprising a foundation having on one side thereof a colored or uncolored ink layer, a metal deposition layer and an adhesive layer. According to the present invention, it has been found out that the provision of a layer (hereinafter referred to as "heat-resistant layer") composed of as a main component a resin having a high glass transition temperature and a low melt viscosity between the metal deposition layer and the adhesive layer in the thermal transfer recording medium of the aforesaid structure, prevents blocking during storage at high temperatures even when the softening temperature of the adhesive layer is set to a low temperature range of 50° to 70°C. The reason therefor is still undetermined.
Accordingly, it is possible to adopt a softening temperature of 50° to 70°C for the adhesive layer for increasing the transfer sensitivity, thereby resulting in a high speed printing or a low energy printing.
The present invention will be explained in detail.
The thermal transfer recording medium of the present invention has a basic structure comprising a foundation and provided on one side of the foundation in order from the foundation side, a colored or uncolored ink layer, a metal deposition layer, a heat-resistant layer and an adhesive layer.
As required, a release layer may be provided intermediate between the foundation and the colored or uncolored ink layer, and/or, a layer for protecting the metal deposition layer (or an anchor layer for the metal deposition layer) may be provided intermediate between the colored or uncolored ink layer and the metal deposition layer.
As the foundation, there can be used any films or sheets generally used as a foundation for thermal transfer recording media, inclusive of plastic films such as polyester films, polyamide films and polycarbonate films, and thin paper sheets such as a condenser paper. The foundation preferably has a thickness of about 1 to about 10 µm. As required, a heat-resistant protective layer may be provided on the backside (the side to be contacted by a thermal head) of the foundation in order to prevent the thermal head from sticking to the foundation.
The release layer to be optionally provided functions as follows: When being transferred, the release layer is melted by means of heat signals from the thermal head to facilitate the release of portions of a transfer layer heated, wherein the transfer layer is composed of the stacked ink layer/metal deposition layer/heat-resistant layer/adhesive layer, or the stacked ink layer/anchor layer/metal deposition layer/heat-resistant layer/adhesive layer. The release layer is composed of a wax as a main component. As required, the release layer may be incorporated with a thermoplastic resin (inclusive of elastomer) to adjust the adhesion between the release layer and the foundation or the ink layer.
Examples of the aforesaid wax include natural waxes such as haze wax, bees wax, lanolin, carnauba wax, candelilla wax, montan wax and ceresine wax; petroleum waxes such as paraffin wax and microcrystalline wax; synthetic waxes such as oxidized wax, ester wax, low-molecular-weight polyethylene wax, Fischer-Tropsch wax and α-olefin-maleic anhydride copolymer wax; higher fatty acids such as lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and behenic acid; higher aliphatic alcohols such as stearyl alcohol and docosanol; esters such as higher fatty acid monoglycerides, sucrose fatty acid esters and sorbitan fatty acid esters; and amides and bisamides such as oleic acid amide. These waxes may be used either alone or in combination.
Examples of the aforesaid thermoplastic resin include polyester resins, polyamide resins, polyurethane resins, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymers, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate-maleic acid terpolymers, polyvinyl butyrals, α-olefin-maleic anhydride copolymers, ethylene-(meth)acrylic acid ester copolymers, low-molecular-weight styrene resins, ethylene-styrene copolymers, styrene-butadiene copolymers, petroleum resins, rosin resins, terpene resins, polypropylene resins and ionomer resins. These resins may be used either alone or in combination.
The release layer can be formed by applying onto the foundation a coating liquid, which is prepared by dissolving or dispersing the wax and optionally the thermoplastic resin into a suitable solvent (inclusive of water), followed by drying. Alternatively, the release layer can be formed by a hot-melt coating method. The coating amount (on a dry weight basis, hereinafter the same) of the release layer is usually from about 0.2 to about 3 g/m2.
Usually the ink layer is used to provide a metallic luster in a variety of colors which are not limited to the metallic luster inherent to the metal deposition layer used and, hence, the ink layer is a colored ink layer composed of a binder and a coloring agent as the main components. However, when a metallic luster inherent to the metal deposition layer used is required as it is, an uncolored ink layer which is a substantially colorlessly transparent ink layer incorporated with no coloring agent may be used.
The binder for the ink layer is composed of a thermoplastic resin and/or a wax.
Examples of the aforesaid thermoplastic resin include polyester resins, polyamide resins, polyurethane resins, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymers, ethylene-(meth)acrylic acid ester copolymers, polypropylene resins, petroleum resins, rosin resins and terpene resins. These resins may be used either alone or in combination.
Examples of the aforesaid wax include natural waxes such as haze wax, bees wax, lanolin, carnauba wax, candelilla wax, montan wax and ceresine wax; petroleum waxes such as paraffin wax and microcrystalline wax; synthetic waxes such as oxidized wax, ester wax, low-molecular-weight polyethylene wax, Fischer-Tropsch wax and α-olefin-maleic anhydride copolymer wax; higher fatty acids such as lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and behenic acid; higher aliphatic alcohols such as stearyl alcohol and docosanol; esters such as higher fatty acid monoglycerides, sucrose fatty acid esters and sorbitan fatty acid esters; and amides and bisamides such as oleic acid amide. These waxes may be used either alone or in combination.
Usable as the coloring agent are any organic and inorganic pigments. A dye may be used in combination of the pigment for color adjustment. The content of the coloring agent in the colored ink layer is usually from about 5 to about 40 % by weight.
As the pigment there are used yellow pigments, magenta pigments and cyan pigments, and mixtures of one or more species thereof. Preferably these pigments are transparent.
Examples of yellow pigments include Disazo Yellow HR, Naphthol Yellow S, Hansa Yellow 5G, Hansa Yellow 3G, Hansa Yellow G, Hansa Yellow GR, Hansa Yellow A, Hansa Yellow RN, Hansa Yellow R, Benzidine Yellow, Benzidine Yellow G, Benzidine Yellow GR, Permanent Yellow NCG and Quinoline Yellow Lake. These yellow pigments may be used either alone or in combination.
Examples of magenta pigments include Quinacridone Red, Parmanent Carmine F5B, Permanent Red 4R, Brilliant Fast Scarlet, Brilliant Carmine BS, Permanent Carmine FB, Lithol Red, Permanent Red F5R, Brilliant Carmine 6B, Pigment Scarlet 3B, Rhodamine Lake B, Rhodamine Lake Y and Arizalin Lake. These magenta pigments may be used either alone or in combination.
Examples of cyan pigments include Victoria Blue Lake, metal-free Phthalocyanine Blue, Phthalocyanine Blue and Fast Sky Blue. These cyan pigments may be used either alone or in combination.
The ink layer can be formed by applying onto the foundation or release layer a coating liquid, which is prepared by dissolving or dispersing the aforesaid binder into a suitable solvent (inclusive of water) and optionally dispersing thereinto a coloring agent, followed by drying. Alternatively, the ink layer can be formed by a hot-melt coating method. The coating amount of the ink layer is usually from about 0.2 to about 3 g/m2.
The layer for protecting the metal deposition layer to be optionally provided serves as an anchor layer for the metal deposition layer. The anchor layer is composed predominantly of a thermoplastic resin (inclusive of elastomer). Usually the anchor layer is not colored and, hence, is a substantially colorlessly transparent layer.
Examples of the aforesaid thermoplastic resin include polyester resins, polyamide resins, polyurethane resins, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymers, ethylene-(meth)acrylic acid ester copolymers, (meth)acrylic resins, styrene-butadiene copolymers, petroleum resins, polypropylene resins and ionomer resins. These resins may be used either alone or in combination.
The anchor layer can be formed by applying onto the ink layer a coating liquid, which is prepared by dissolving or dispersing the aforesaid resin into a suitable solvent (inclusive of water), followed by drying. A small coating amount is suitable for the anchor layer from the viewpoint of transferability so long as the protective function is secured. A suitable coating amount is from about 0.1 to about 1 g/m2.
Examples of metals for the metal deposition layer are aluminum, zinc, tin, nickel, chromium, titanium, copper, silver, gold, platinum, and the like metal, and mixtures or alloys thereof. Ususally aluminum is preferred. The metal deposition layer can be formed by a physical deposition technique such as vacuum deposition, sputtering or iron plating, or chemical deposition technique.
From the viewpoint of obtaining a high metallic luster, the thickness of the metal deposition layer is preferably in the range of 10 to 100 nm, especially 20 to 40 nm.
The heat-resistant layer is composed of a resin having a glass transition temperature of not lower than 65°C and a melt viscosity of not higher than 1 × 103 cps at 160°C. Preferably the heat-resistant layer contains not less than 80 % by weight of such a specific resin.
By virtue of provision of the heat-resistant layer composed of the specific resin as a main component between the metal deposition layer and the adhesive layer, the thermal transfer recording medium is prevented from blocking even if the adhesive layer has a low softening temperature in the range of 50° to 70°C.
When the glass transition temperature of the specific resin is lower than 65°C, the blocking preventive effect is not sufficiently exhibited. When the melt viscosity of the specific resin is higher than 1 × 103 cps at 160°C, the transfer sensitivity is lowered. The upper limit for the glass transition temperature of the specific resin is about 100°C from the viewpoint of transfer sensitivity.
Examples of the specific resins include styrene resins, terpene resins, phenol resins, rosin resins and aromatic petroleum resins. These resins may be used either alone or in combination.
As required, the heat-resistant layer may be further incorporated with an additive such as an elastomer or a wax.
Preferably the heat-resistant layer contains substantially no particulate materials such as coloring pigment and body pigment and, hence, is colorlessly transparent. This is to prevent the lowering of the luster of printed images due to the unevenness of the surface of the heat-resistant layer caused by the particulate material.
Preferably the coating amount of the heat-resistant layer is not less than 0.2 g/m2 from the viewpoint of blocking preventive effect and not more than 1 g/m2 from the viewpoint of transferability.
The heat-resistant layer can be formed by applying onto the metal deposition layer a coating liquid, which is prepared by dissolving or dispersing the aforesaid specific resin and optionally other additives into a suitable solvent (inclusive of water), followed by drying.
The adhesive layer is composed of predominantly an adhesive resin. Examples of the adhesive resin are polyester resins, polyamide resins, polyurethane resins, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, ethylene-(meth)acrylic acid ester copolymers, petroleum resins, rosin resins and terpene resins. These adhesive resins may be used either alone or in combination.
The softening temperature of the adhesive layer is preferably in the range of 50° to 70°C from the viewpoint of transfer sensitivity.
Preferably the adhesive layer is incorporated with a particulate material to more sufficiently prevent blocking or to prevent smudge of a receptor paper. Examples of the particulate material are silica, talc, calcium carbonate, precipitated barium sulfate, alumina, clay, magnesium carbonate, carbon black, tin oxide, titanium oxide, and the like. These materials may be used either alone or in combination. Preferably the particle size of the particulate material is in the range of 0.1 to 1 µm in terms of average particle size. It is preferable that the content of the particulate material in the adhesive layer is not less than 5 % by weight from the viewpoint of preventing blocking and smudge and not more than 50 % by weight form the viewpoint of adhesiveness.
The adhesive layer can be formed by applying onto the heat-resistant layer a coating liquid, which is prepared by dissolving or dispersing the aforesaid adhesive resin into a suitable solvent (inclusive of water) and optionally dispersing thereinto the particulate material, followed by drying. The coating amount of the adhesive layer is preferably in the range of about 0.2 to about 1.5 g/m2.
The present invention will be described in more detail by way of Examples and Comparative Examples. It is to be understood that the present invention will not be limited to these Examples, and various changes and modifications may be made in the invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.
EXAMPLES 1-2 and COMPARATIVE EXAMPLES 1-3
Onto the front side of a 3.5 µm-thick polyethylene terephthalate film having a heat-resistant protective layer composed of a silicone resin on the back side thereof was applied a composition for release layer of the following formula by a hot-melt coating method to give a relase layer with a coating amount of 1.0 g/m2.
Composition for release layer
Component Parts by weight
Paraffin wax 60
Candelilla wax 40
Total 100
Onto the release layer was applied a coating liquid for colored ink layer of the following formula, followed by drying to give a colored ink layer with a coating amount of 1.0 g/m2.
Coating liquid for colored ink layer
Component Parts by weight
Polyamide resin 6.0
Polyethylene wax 2.0
Brilliant Carmine 6B 2.0
Dispersing agent 0.1
Toluene 9.9
Isopropyl alcohol 80.0
Total 100.0
Onto the colored ink layer was applied a coating liquid for anchor layer of the following formula, followed by drying to give an anchor layer with a coating amount of 0.5 g/m2.
Coating liquid for anchor layer
Component Parts by weight
Acrylic resin (glass transition temp.: 90°C) 10
Methyl ethyl ketone 90
Total 100
Onto the anchor layer was formed an aluminum deposition layer having a thickness of 20 nm by a vacuum deposition method. Onto the aluminum deposition layer was applied a coating liquid for heat-resistant layer of the formula shown in Table 1, followed by drying to give a heat-resistant layer with a coating amount of 0.5 g/m2. In Comparative Example 1, no heat-resistant layer was formed.
Onto the heat-resistant layer was applied a coating liquid for adhesive layer of the following formula, followed by drying to give an adhesive layer with a coating amount of 0.5 g/m2.
Coating liquid for adhesive layer
Component Parts by weight
Ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (softening point: 55°C) 8.0
Silica particles (average particle size: 0.5 µm) 2.0
Dispersing agent 0.1
Toluene 89.9
Total 100.0
Each of the thus obtained thermal transfer recording media was evaluated for transferability and antiblocking property. The results are shown in Table 1.
A. Transferalbity
Two-dot vertical lines were printed on a receptor paper (Xerox #4024 made by Xerox Inc.) by means of a thermal transfer printer (Bungo Mini 5 made by NEC Corporation) wherein each of the recording media was used. The term "two-dot vertical lines" means vertical lines each having two-dot width arranged at two-dot intervals in the lateral direction. The transferability was evaluated on the basis of the following criteria.
○
Vertical lines were printed with a space.
X
Vertical lines were joined together.
B. Antiblocking property
Each thermal transfer recording medium was wound in a roll form and stored in an enviornment of 50°C and 85 % RH for 96 hours. With use of the stored recording medium, printing was performed under the same conditions as above. The antiblocking property was evaluated on the basis of the following criteria:
○
The ribbon was smoothly unwound and dispensed and could be used up to the end thereof for printing.
X
It was impossible to unwind the ribbon midway, resulting in failure to print.
Coating liquid for heat-resistant layer Ex. 1 Ex. 2 Com. Ex. 1 Com. Ex. 2 Com. Ex. 3
Formula (% by weight)
Polystyrene (Tg: 50°C, viscosity: 12 cps/160°C) - - - 10 -
Polystyrene (Tg: 70°C, viscosity: 7 cps/160°C) 10 - - - -
Aromatic petroleum resin (Tg: 95°C, viscosity: 580 cps/160°C) - 10 - - -
Acrylic resin (Tg: 90°C, viscosity: 2500 cps/160°C) - - - - 10
Toluene 90 90 - 90 -
Methyl ethyl ketone - - - - 90
Evaluation
Transferability ○ ○ ○ ○ X
Antiblocking property ○ ○ X X ○
Tg: Glass transition temperature
According to the present invention, a thermal transfer recording medium comprising a foundation having on one side thereof a colored or uncolored ink layer, a metal deposition layer and an adhesive layer in this order wherein a specific heat-resistant layer is provided between the metal deposition layer and the adhesive layer does not cause blocking even when the softening temperature of the adhesive layer is lowered to improve transferability.

Claims (7)

  1. A thermal transfer recording medium comprising a foundation, and provided on one side of the foundation in order from the foundation side, at least a colored or uncolored ink layer, a metal deposition layer and an adhesive layer, and a heat-resistant layer provided intermediate between the metal deposition layer and the adhesive layer and comprising as a main component a resin having a glass transition temperature of not lower than 65°C and a melt viscosity of not higher than 1 × 103 cps at 160°C.
  2. The thermal transfer recording medium of Claim 1, wherein the adhesive layer has a softening temperature of from 50° to 70°C.
  3. The thermal transfer recording medium of Claims 1 or 2, wherein the heat-resistant layer comprises not less than 80 % by weight of the resin having a glass transition temperature of not lower than 65°C and a melt viscosity of not higher than 1 × 103 cps at 160°C.
  4. The thermal transfer recording meidum of any of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the resin having a glass transition temperature of not lower than 65°C and a melt viscosity of not higher than 1 × 103 cps at 160°C comprises at least a resin selected from the group consisting of styrene resins, terpene resins, phenol resins, rosin resins and aromatic petroleum resins.
  5. The thermal transfer recording medium of any of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the adhesive layer comprises an adhesive resin and a particulate inorganic material.
  6. The thermal transfer recording medium of any of Claims 1 to 5, which further comprises a release layer provided intermediate between the foundation and the colored or uncolored ink layer.
  7. The thermal transfer recording medium of any of Claims 1 to 6, which further comprises a layer for protecting the metal deposition layer provided intermediate between the colored or uncolored ink layer and the metal deposition layer.
EP97113497A 1996-08-05 1997-08-05 Thermal transfer recording material with metallic layer Expired - Lifetime EP0823333B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP205846/96 1996-08-05
JP20584696 1996-08-05
JP20584696A JP3197826B2 (en) 1996-08-05 1996-08-05 Thermal transfer recording medium
US08/909,670 US6080479A (en) 1996-08-05 1997-08-12 Thermal transfer recording medium

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EP0823333A1 true EP0823333A1 (en) 1998-02-11
EP0823333B1 EP0823333B1 (en) 2000-01-19

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US6562442B2 (en) * 1998-08-20 2003-05-13 Fijicopian Co., Ltd. Metallic thermal transfer recording medium
CN107225881A (en) * 2016-03-25 2017-10-03 富士施乐株式会社 Recording method, record system and tape deck

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JP2002343564A (en) * 2001-05-18 2002-11-29 Sharp Corp Transfer film and manufacturing method of organic electroluminescence element using the same
JP2005213395A (en) * 2004-01-30 2005-08-11 Nagoya Oil Chem Co Ltd Heat-resistant sheet
US7829162B2 (en) 2006-08-29 2010-11-09 international imagining materials, inc Thermal transfer ribbon
US20080057233A1 (en) * 2006-08-29 2008-03-06 Harrison Daniel J Conductive thermal transfer ribbon
JP2015077706A (en) * 2013-10-16 2015-04-23 内外カーボンインキ株式会社 Thermal transfer ribbon for foil transfer
US10071566B2 (en) * 2015-04-03 2018-09-11 Canon Finetech Nisca Inc. Transfer material, recorded matter, method of manufacturing recorded matter, image-recording apparatus, and apparatus for manufacturing recorded matter

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EP0263478A2 (en) * 1986-10-07 1988-04-13 Oike Industrial Co., Ltd. Heat-sensitive transfer medium
JPH04292991A (en) * 1991-03-20 1992-10-16 Brother Ind Ltd Ink ribbon

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Cited By (2)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6562442B2 (en) * 1998-08-20 2003-05-13 Fijicopian Co., Ltd. Metallic thermal transfer recording medium
CN107225881A (en) * 2016-03-25 2017-10-03 富士施乐株式会社 Recording method, record system and tape deck

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US6080479A (en) 2000-06-27
DE69701174D1 (en) 2000-02-24
JPH1044631A (en) 1998-02-17
JP3197826B2 (en) 2001-08-13
EP0823333B1 (en) 2000-01-19

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